Retarded-alarm valve and the like.



A. J. GROSS. RETARDED ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 10, 19M 1,287,972.-- Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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RETARDED ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. IO, I914- 1,287,972, Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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APPLICATION FILED DEC. 10, 1914- 1,287,972. Patented Dec. 17, 1918.

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A. J. GROSS. RETARDED ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 10, 1914.

Pat ented Dec.17,1918.

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UNITED STAT ES PATENT OFFICE.

ALLAN J. GROSS, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF TWO-THIRDS T0 JOHN L.KENNEDY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

RETARDED-ALARM VALVE AND THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed December 10, 1914. Serial No. 876,447.

I '0 all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ALLAN J. Guess, a citizen of the United States,residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Retarded Alarm Valvesand the like, of which the following is a description.

My invention belongs to that general class of devices known as alarms,and relates particularly to a retarded alarm valve, especially adaptedto be used in wet pipe sprinkler systems for the purpose of giving analarm in the event of a sprinkler head opening from fire or othercauses, and to prevent false alarms ordinarily resulting from waterhammer and other fluctuating pressure conditions in the water supply tosprinkler systerns. The invention has among its objects the productionof a device of the kind described that is simple, compact, durable,efficient, and satisfactory, for use wherever found applicable. It hasamong its further objects the production of a device of the kinddescribed that is positive in action and is substantiallywithout'complicated parts, there being no stuffing boxes, springs, ordelicate clockwork mechanism, or the like, to break or get out of order.It is easily accessible and adjustable for all conditions, andapplicable for all wet pipe systems, regardless of pressure conditionswithout the system, for example, the water supply, which may bediflerent in different locations or vicinities, and even vary atdifferent points in a particular vicinity. Many other objects andadvantages will appear to those skilled in the art from the disclosureherein made.

To this end my invention consists in the novel construction, arrangementand combination of parts herein shown and described, and moreparticularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, characters indicate parts,

Figure l is a sectional view preferred form of valve;

Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the same, taken substantially online 2, 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the alarm mechanism. takensubstantially on line 3, 3 of Fig. 6;

wherein like reference like or corresponding through my taken substan-Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view in elavation, taken substantially online 6, 6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a view in elevation of a partial sectional view through amodified form of alarm controlling device;

gig. 8 is a similar view of another form, an

Fig. 9 is a similar view of still another form.

Broadly speaking, the complete valve and alarm device shown consists ofa main valve which controls the water supply, an auxiliary valve orby-pass preferably carried by the main valve, a pressure relief valvemechanism controlling the passage to the alarm device, and preventingwaste water backing up, and retarded alarm controlling mechanism, bymeans of which an alarm will be given under certain conditions, butwhich alarm may be retarded as desired, so that if the abnormal pressurecondition in the water supply ceases within or prior to the lapse of apredetermined period of time. no alarm will be given.

Referring to the drawings, 1 represents a suitable valve casing providedwith an inlet 2 and discharge outlet 3, the same being provided with ahand hole cover 4, to permit easy access to the interior of the casing.In the. valve shown I have also provided a main drain outlet 5, and anoutlet 6, which outlet 6, if desired, may beconnected with a supervisoryalarm system, as supplemental to the alarm controlling mechanism hereinillustrated. The supervisory alarm mechanism or system forms no part ofthe present invention, and I have not fully shown the same herein. Thecasing may also be provided with an outlet 7, for testing but inasmuchas this is not a part of the present invention, it is not necessary tofurther refer to the same. The casing is also provided with an outlet 8,which is suitably connected with my preferred form of alarm controllingdevice hereafter described. Arranged at the inlet I provide a ring 9,preferably of non-corrosive material, which is formed with a groove 10.and with two concentric valve seats 11 and 12. Arranged to cooperatetherewith is a valve member or the same being preferably pivot allysupported or secured in place as at 16. The valve shown is provided witha ring 17 of suitable material, arranged to cooperate with the seats 11and 12, the ring being maintained in place by a plate or ring 18, andsuitable bolts or other equivalents for the purpose, so that it isrenewable as desired.

I have shown the main valve 15 or clap per provided with a counterweight19, which may be maintained in place by the ring 13. As shown, a duct orpassageway 20 is formed in the counterweight 19, and a duct 21 in thevalve member 15. It will be noted that the duct 20 is preferablytapering, as shown. The valve is chambered or recessed as shown, and aball check valve 22, or its equivalent, arranged in the recess, the samebeing normally prevented from moving out of the recess by the ring 23and pin 24, or equivalentmeans. The valve 22 is so arranged that watermay flow past the valve from the duct 20, but will be prevented fromreturning by the ball valve 22 seating on its seat in the recess. Themain valve 15 controls the water supply, and when properly seated,closes both the inner and outer ring seats 11 and 12, so that the groovebecomes what may be termed a normal or vacant chamber, which is,however, connected or open to the outlet 8 shown in Fig. 2. Theauxiliary or ball valve 22 acts as a by-pass, in permitting the flowageof water caused by slight or simple increases of pressure in the watersupply, the same permitting the water to pass into the sprinkler systemwithout lifting the valve 15. In addition,

clapper 15,

this valve also makes the closing action of valve 15 positive, that isinstantaneous, by taking care of the slight excess pressure generated bvthe closing movement of valve 15, which otherwise might be inclined tochatter on its seat, thus prolonging the pressure condition in the alarmwaterway.

Extending from the outlet 8, which may be termed the alarm waterway, isa pipe 26 or its equivalent, which is suitably connected with the drainpipe, or its equivalent. Pipe 26 is connected to a pipe 27, and pipe 29by means of a suitable T 28, or the equivalent. "Pipe 27 connects withthe alarm controlling mechanism hereafter described, and pipe 29 isconnected by an intermediate pipe 38 to the drain pipe or the like.However, between pipe 29 and pipe 38, which is connected to the drainpipe, is what may be termed a double check valve. This valve consists ofa suitable casing 30, which is provided with ports or inlets and outlets31 and 32. When the flow is in one direction, 31 is an inlet and 32 isan outlet, while when the flow is in the opposite direction, the reverseis true. Normally, however, 31 is the inlet and 32 the outlet. Arrangedwithin the heaters casing is a suitable valve member, prefer ably in theform of a ball 33, arranged to seat on either oi the seats at 31 or 32.I, however, preferably provide a screw or adjustable member 35, orequivalent means, by means of which the valve 33 may be prevented fromclosely seating on the seat at the port or outlet 32. The object of thiswill be more clearly understood from the operation of the devicehereafter given. As shown, the casing 30 is provided with a closure orplug 36 of suitable form.

In the construction shown, I have arranged the alarm controllingmechanism at the valve, a very satisfactory arrangement of constructionbeing to flange the hand hole cover 4, as at 40, and provide the samewith adetachable cover 41. In some cases it may not be desirable toinstall the mechanism in this Way, as will be understood from thefurther description. As shown, pipe 27 is connected to pipe 43, a verysimple construction being to form the flange 40 as at 42, and thread thetwo pipes thereinto, as most clearly shown in Fig. 6. Arranged at, theend of pipe 43 is a suitable diaphragm 44, the same being shown securedto the pipe 43 by member 45 flanged at 46, the end being flanged so thatone part of the diaphragm is clamped therebetween. The cooperating partof the diaphragm carries a part 47, arranged to codperate with orcontrol a lever 49. 1 have shown a support 48, arranged in the hand holecasing, the same being supported by lugs 48', suitably secured to cover4. Lever 49 is pivotally supported at 50, and preferably provided with acounterweight 51, as shown, of suitable form. I also preferably providean adjustable part 52, arranged to cooperate with member 47, andnormally be supported thereby. The movement of the lever 49 may belimited by an adjustable stop or member 53, or equivalent means. Carriedby the end of lever 49 is a piston or plunger rod 55, whi: h extendsthrough the opening 57, an adjustable member 56 carrying the rod.Arranged at the lower end of rod is a plunger or piston. In theconstruction shown it is in the form of a sheet or plate 58 of suitablematerial, which may be secured in place on the rod 55 in any desiredway. The plunger operates in a dash pot or chamber in casing 59,suitably secured to the support 48, and provided with an inlet port 60,and as many small ports as desired, normally covered by a valve member61. same is also provided with an outlet or port 62, 63, the passage offluid from the chamber being controlled as desired by an adjustableneedle valve 64, or equivalent means. If the dash pot is placed aboveand inverted, the action in so far as results are concerned issubstantially the same, exiept the action is retarded by the vacuumcreated instead The of by the air pressure or cushion. Arranged on therod 55, and preferably pivotally secured thereto, is a lever 65, whichis provided with a counterweight 66, suitably secured thereto, theopposite end 65 being preferably forked as at 67, 67. The ends of 67 areconnected to the support by bars 68, pivotally secured at points 69 and70 respectively. Carried by the forked arms 67 is a member 71, which ismost clearly shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. This member is preferablychambered, as shown at 72, with slots 73 and 74 on each side. Within thechamber is arranged a suitable container 75, preferably of glass, theslot 74 being of sufficient size to receive the container. The containermay be maintained in place by plaster Paris 76, or the equivalent, andis provided with contact points 77 and 78, preferably of platinum, whichare suitably connected with conductors 79 and 80. Within the containeris arranged mercury 81, or its equivalent. The member 71 is preferablyadjustably secured to the arms by means of screws 83, extending throughthe arms 67, and engaging in the supporting bars 82 carried thereby (seeFigs. 4 and 6). It will be noted from this construction that the mercuryis visible through the slots 73 or 74, and the member 71 may be securedin place at the desired adjustment.

The conductors 79 and maybe suitably connected to binding posts 85 and86, which are connected with any desired alarm device, on either an openor a closed circuit. I have shown as illustrative the binding posts 85and 86, connected by conductors 87 and 88 to a bell 89 andsuitablesource of energy 90. This, however, is merely illus-' trative of analarm, which may be operated or controlled by the mechanism hereindescribed.

Assuming that the valve is arranged in a sprinkler system of the kinddescribed and suitably connected up in the usual" manner, the retardedalarm controlling device being connected with the outlet 8 as set forth.Conditions being normal in the system, that is, there being nosprinklers open, no water hammering or abnormal pressure in the watersupply, the parts are substantially as shown. The groove 10 being closedby the main valve, no water can enter pipe 26. or the alarm waterway.The member 71 being tilted, as shownin Fig. 5, there is no closing ofthe circuit between the contacts 77 and 78. In the event of waterhammer, or other abnormal pressure conditions occurring in the watersupply pipe, causing a flow of water greater than the auxiliary checkvalve 2 can accommodate, main valve 15 rises, allowing the water to flowinto the groove 10. This water strikes the ball 33, or the relief checkvalve, which sets itself against the controlling screw at the outlet.This container in part 71 may,

valve is adjusted to discharge the desired amount of water. Any quantityof water,

in excess for which the valve is set, is backed up, causing a pressurein pipe 43, expanding the diaphragm 44, which in its the counterweightedend of the supporting lever 49. The opposite or supporting end of thelever 49 being dropped, this permits the weighted piston rod 55 todescend, pushing the piston into the dash pot. required for the rod 55to drop, is, of course, depending upon the setting of the valve 64. Ifthe abnormal pressure condition'in the water supply ceases before theelapsing of, a predetermined of retardation, the main valve reseatsitself closing the groove, and relieving the pressure and relief checkvalve 33 allows the water in the alarm waterway to escape, the

decrease in pressure being almost immediate. 5

The counterweight 51, dropping with the contracting of the diaphragm,raises the supporting end of lever 49, raising the piston 58 and rod 55back to normal positions. valve 61 pot casin 59, and at the same timerocking member 1 and the circuit contacts 77 and 78, and returningthecircuit closing part bacl; to normal position. When a sprinkler heathat the plunger continues to the bottom of the dash pot, while themercury tube is tilted forward until the mercury overflows both thecontact points 77 and 78, thus closing the circuit and ringing thealarm. In cases where a closed circuit is desired, the mercury ofcourse, be reversed, so that a circuit is closed between the contactswhen the parts are in normal position, and vice versa. period isdetermined by the amount of air allowed to escape from the dash potduring the downward stroke of the piston, which. of course, varies withthe adjustment of valve 64 and counterweight 66. This is also determinedby the position or angle at which the member 71 and the container is setor inclined. The valve 61, of course, allows the easy return of thepiston and rod to normal position without requiring the air to enterthrough the ports 62-63. The tube or water passage 20 having severaltimes the area of its throat at the inlet, has approximately the sameaction as a Venturi meter.

accelerating the flow of water through the throat, thereby creating agreater flow of water through or past valve 22.

In the controlling mechanism. shown in Fig. 7, 92 represents a suitablecasing. as

for example. a hand hole cover or othercasing, to which the alarm wateror fluid is conducted by a pipe 93. the water entering through the duct94. In this "construction a Burden spring 95 is employed in the place ofa diaphragm. Arranged within the casturn raises 70 The time 75 period,decided as the period so preventing a vacuum in the dash 90 opens theresult is the same, except 95 v The retardation 105 I by the weight 115.A valve ing is a member 96, which carries the part 97, similar to 71 inthe construction previously described. This part in this construction isshown contained within a split ring formed of part 96, the ends 99 ofwhich are locked together by a screw 100, or its equivalent. Part 96 ispivotally secured at 98, the extended end of the same being connected at10 1 by a rod to the spring at 103. 1 have shown a two-part rod 101-101,connected by a turnbuckle 102. The operation is simple, for as pressureis placed on the spring by the alarm water, the spring tends tostraighten out, permitting the part 96 to drop, thereby closing oropening the circuit, as the case be, depending upon the adjustment ofparts 97, the contacts or binding posts 105 and 106 being suitablyconnected in the system.

In the construction shown in Fig. 8, a spring 109 is arranged in thecasing 108, casing 108 being suitably connected in the system. A lever110 is pivotally supported at 111 in the casing and formed with an arm113, which is connected by a bar 112 at 1141, to the end of the spring109. A spring 122, or equivalent means, tends to normally maintain lever110v as shown. A dash pot or plunger casing 115 is suitably supportedwithin the casing 108. In this is arranged a plunger 117 having aplunger rod 116, which is arranged to extend through and be supported bythe arm 110. As shown, the rod 116 is preferably counterweighted 118 isalso arranged at the end of the casing 115'. A ring or carrier 119, forthe part 120, which carries the mercury container is pivotally supportedwithin the casing so that it may be partially rotated 0r rocked. Ring119 is connected by a rod or bar 121 to one of. the plunger parts, asshown to the counterbalance 115. The contact points in the mercurycontainer are suitably connected with binding posts 123, 12 1, or theirequivalents, for the purpose. When the Burden spring 109, underpressure, tends to straighten out, the rod 112 drawing on the arm 113,tends to cause arm 110 to drop. This permits the counterweight andplunger 11? to drop, the time depending upon the adjustment of the valve118. As this drops it rocks the mercury container similar to the otherconstructions, thereby controlling the circuit. As soon as the pressureis relieved, spring 122, as well as the Burden spring, tends to draw theparts back to normal positions.

In the simplified construction shown in Fig. 9, Burden spring 127, orits equivalent, is arranged in the casing 126, and is connected by lever133 to an arm 132, which is pivotally supported at 181. Connected andcontrolled by arm 132 is the arm 130, which carries the extending part128, carrying part 129. This is similar to the other earers to a. steamgage, and the casings may be so constructed and placed where desired.In: this connection it might be mentioned that.

the Burden spring might be connected to a pointer or hand or the like,arranged to indicate on a scale the pressure. It is not considerednecessary to illustrate this, as for the purpose of illustration, it maybe said that the Burden spring, in addition to being connected to thehand of the well known type of pressure gage, may in addition beconnected to one of the types of alarm controlling devices shown inFigs. 7, 8 or 9.

It will be noted that the devices, and all parts thereof, are simple andcompact, and comprise a minimum of parts. The devices are positive inaction. Everything is readily accessible and practically all adjustmentsare possible that might ever be required. might be mentioned that whilea valve is shown particularly intended to be placed in a verticalposition, as shown in Fig. 1, the same might be readily made adapted foruse horizontally by arranging the valve seat 9 substantially asindicated by the dotted lines H shown in Fig. 1. In this case, however,the alarm controlling mechanism would be located in a dilierent positionon the valve, or one of the types shown in Figs. 7, 8, or 9 employed.This is merely mentioned as illustrative of the many desirable featuresof the mechanism shown.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that variousimmaterial modifications may be made in the same without dcparting fromthe spirit of my invention; hence 1 do not wish to be understood aslimiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement orcombination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an alarm device of the kind dcscribcd and in combination, a valvecasing provided with a hand hole opening at one side and with achambered cover for said opening, said casing provided with an alarmport and said chambered cover with an inlet port communicating with saidalarm port, and an associated alarm device including a circuit closercomprising a receptacle, a conducting fluid arranged therein, conductingwires extending from said receptacle, means for tiltably supporting saidreceptacle, pressure actuated means connected with said inlet port tortilting said support and receptacle, gravity actuated means fornorinaliy maintaining said receptacle and support in inoperativepositions, and fluid controlled means for retarding the tilting of saidsupport as desired.

an alarm device of the kind de scribed and in combination, a mercurycontainer provided with contacts therein, a tilt able support for saidcontainer, said container adjustably carried by said support, pressureoperable means for normall supporting said container support, and fluidcontrolled means for normally retarding the movement of said support.

3. In an alarm device of the kind described and in combination, amercury container provided with contacts therein, a tiltable support forsaid container, said con-- tainer adjustably carried by said support,pressure operable means for normally supporting said container support,fluid controlled means for normally retarding the movement of saidsupport, including a chambered valved casing, and a plunger arrangedtherein and operatively connected .with said support.

4. In an alarm device, a mercury container, having separated contactpoints on the interior thereof, a'carrier therefor, a tiltable. supportfor said container and carrier, means for adjustably securing saidcontainer in its support, fluid cushioning means for yieldingly opposingthe tilting of said support and fluid pressure actuated mechanism foractuating said support.

5. In an alarm device, a chambered diaphragm member, a fluid conductingpipe extending through and connected with the interior thereof, apivotally supported; am having a counterwei ht at one end, said armnormally adjusta 1y supported by said diaphragm intermediate the saidcounterweight and its point of pivotal support, a rod slidably supportedat the opposite end of said arm and provided with a plunger at its lowerend, a dash pot for said plunger, means for controlling the escape offluid from said dash pot, a bar pivotall connected intermediate its endsto said p unger rod, means for pivotally connecting one end of said barto a fixed support, a mercury container adjustably carried by said barintermediate its point of pivotal connection with the plunger rod andfixed support, and a counterweight arranged at the opposite end of therod and adjustably secured thereto.

6. In an alarm device, a chambered diaphragm member, a fluid conductingpipe extending through and connected with the interior thereof, apivotally supported arm having a counterwei ht at one end, said armnormally adjusta ly supported by said diaphragm intermediate the saidcounterweight and its point of pivotal support, a rod slidably andadjustably supported at the opposite end of said arm and provided .With

a plunger at its lower end, a dash pot for said plunger,adjustable'means for controlling the escape of fluid from said dash pot,a bar pivotally connected intermediate its ends to said plunger rodmeans for pivotally connecting one end 01 said bar to a fixed support, amercury container adjustably carried by said bar intermediate its pointof pivotal connection with the plunger rod and xed support, separatedcontact points arranged in said container, a conducting fluid arrangedin said container, and a counterweight arranged at the opposite end ofthe rod and adjustably secured thereto.

In a device of the kind described and in combination, a suitable valvecasing provided with an alarm port, alarm mechanism, controllingmechanism for said alarm mechanism mounted on said casing consisting ofgravity operated actuating mechanism, and pressure controlled mechanismoperatively connected with said alarm port for normally preventing theoperation of said gravity operated mechanism.

8. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a suitablevalve casing provided with an alarm port, said casing formed with achamber at one side thereof, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanism forsaid alarm mechanism arranged in said chamber consisting of gravityoperated actuating mechanism, pressure controlled mechanism operativelyconnected with said alarm port for normally preventing the operation ofsaid gravity operated mechanism, and means cotiperating with saidpressure controlled mechanism for retrieving the alarm mechamm.

9. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a suitablevalve casing provided with an alarm port and with a chambered part atone side, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanism for said alarmmechanism arranged in said chamber consisting of gravity operatedactuating mechanism, pressure controlled mechanism ooeratively connectedwith said alarm port for normally preventing the operation of saidgravity operated mechanism, means cotiperating with said pressurecontrolled mechanism for retrieving the alarm mechanism, and meanscooperating with the alarm actuating mechanism for retarding the same asdesired.

10. In a device of the kind described and in combination, a, suitablecasing provided with an alarm port and having a hand hole at one side, achambered closure for said hole, alarm mechanism, controlling mechanismfor said alarm mechanism arranged in said closure chamber consisting ofgravity operated actuating mechanism, pressure controlled mechanismoperatively connected with said alarm port for normally preventing theoperation of said gravity operated mechanism, means coiiperating withsaid pressure controlled mechanism for retrieving the alarm mechanism,means cooperating With the alarm actuating mechanism for retarding thesame as desired, comprising a chambered air container part, a plungerarranged therein and connected with said controlling mechanism, andmeans for controlling the passage of air to or from said part'wherebythe plunger may be moved as desired in either direction.

11. In an alarm device of the kind described and in combination amercury container provided With contacts therein, a tiltable support forsaid container, said container adjustably carried by said support,pressure operable means for'normally supporting said container supportand fluid controlled means for normally retarding the movement of saidsupport comprising a chambered part, a plunger arranged therein andoperatively connected With said supporting means, and means forcontrolling the discharge or admission of air to said. part whereby theplunger may be moved as desired in either direction.

12. In an alarm device or the kind de scribed and in combination, amercury containe'r provided with contacts projecting therein, acylindrical carrier for said conmergers controlling said support.

13. In an alarm device of the kind described and in combination, acircuit controlling device comprising a mercury container provided Withcontacts projecting therein, a cylindrical carrier therefor, a supv ortfor said carrier provided With means or clamping the carrier thereon,said carrier rotatably adjustable on the support, pressure actuatedcontrolling mechanism for normally preventing movement of said supportin a direction trolling device, means for actuating said support uponoperation of said controlling mechanism, and means for opposing themovement of said support When actuated by said actuating means.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence oftwo subscribing Witnesses.

. ALLAN PI. GRQSS. Witnesses:

Itor W Hint, GHARLES I. Conn.

to actuate the circuit con

